Do your research

Have you already researched the size of the magazine you want to produce, i.e: height x width, the number of expected pages, the quantity you will print, the regularity of publication.The weight of the paper (quality), whether it is saddle stitched (stapled), or perfect bound (glued like a book).

Will advertisers expect a certain quality to be used? Advertising is of course a perfect way to offset your costs.

Will your market/niche expect a certain quality?

Before you can go to a printer, you will need to be able to supply them with all of these specifications, and more (I'm a bit fuzzy - it's the summer holidays, and I'm veging out!). Will you provide your own copy/artwork, and will it be compatible with their requirements?

You will need to then shop around (after researching which printers are likely to be experienced in the type of printing that you require).

How will these be distributed? Distribution companies can take a huge chunk of your profits when distributing to newsagencies/bookshops.

I publish short run directories (up to about 3,500 at a time), as well as planner/organisers, and shop around a few months before going to print, based on my requirements for the publication, and what the printers can provide/or/specialise in.

Try not to over estimate your quantities, to achieve a cheaper 'per copy' price. It can be seductive to be too optimistic over a new venture. It is very demoralising to be left staring at boxes or bundles of out-of-date publications!